Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet achieved a record capacity factor of 96.9% in 2025, setting a new benchmark for reliability across its plants in the Carolinas. The company announced that this performance helped generate approximately $600 million in federal nuclear production tax credits, which were used to lower costs for customers.
The company operates 11 nuclear units at six locations throughout North and South Carolina. These plants serve more than eight million homes by providing consistent, around-the-clock electricity. Nuclear energy is currently Duke Energy’s largest source of power generation in the region.
Kelvin Henderson, chief nuclear officer for Duke Energy, stated: “This new record shows the unmatched reliability our nuclear plants deliver every day. It demonstrates the value we’re committed to providing for our customers, and it reflects the skill and dedication of the teams who operate these facilities with excellence.”
Duke Energy’s ongoing strategy includes extending plant lifespans, increasing output from existing infrastructure through power uprates, and investing in advanced reactor development. These efforts are intended to maintain dependable and low-cost electricity as demand grows across the Carolinas.
The company continues to focus on upgrading its electric grid and expanding cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, renewables, and energy storage as part of its broader transition toward a modernized energy system.
For more information about Duke Energy’s operations or initiatives, visit duke-energy.com or access updates via their News Center.
